Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best kind of camera to use?

I recommend staff use compact point and shoot cameras as there are plenty on the market fit for purpose, they are discreet, they are less likely to scare off the 'camera shy' and are easier and more familiar to most people.

The key thing to look for in a compact camera is its ability to shoot in low light settings without flash - as this is the approach I recommend. So you're looking for a camera with a low f stop number F2 or F1.8 is best and a high light sensitivity (one that has high ISO) These cameras come in at the higher end of the price range market for compact cameras but the results are worth it if it's feasible.

Amazon is a good starting point for price - you can get a base line from there and then look around on-line to see if you can find anything cheaper. It’s worth checking when you purchase a camera whether you have to pay extra for a case, recharger etc. - you may get a better deal on another site if you include accessories. The main accessory is obviously the recharger.

Cameras that score high on ratings, produce the results I mentioned re low light and can be handled both by a novice (auto settings) and someone with more experience (use of manual settings) are the following as of 2013:

Canon Powershot S95

Panasonic Lumix LX7

Nikon Coolpix P7100

Fujifilm x10

Olympus XZ1

Venue

The practical session involves taking photographs in little scenarios with cots/beds/easy chairs etc. You want either enough space in the room so each group can comfortably go into a corner or to have some break out rooms or spaces nearby. These scenario spaces will not be required until at least 3 hours into the workshop.

Flyer

We will send a flyer, which you will need to update with the booking info, that can be distributed amongst your colleagues

Commitment in attending what is frequently perceived as a ‘free’ course is often a challenge and the problem of ‘no shows’ is a significant one.

We will send out a ‘Baseline Questionaire’, which goes some way to address this issue. They go out to staff who would like to take part on the course, and rather than simply putting their name down to attend without any further thought or investment on their part, staff have to complete a short questionaire. This process helps staff to recognise that the course place is coveted and important. They have to think about what they want to get from the course and they have to recognise that someone is paying for their place and find out who that is. Following their questionaire, staff are then issued a classroom code and are ready for the course to start.

If places are being offered over a wide net, a large service or numerous hospitals, it can be useful to limit the places per area – for example ‘just 2 places are being offered this year in this unit’ – it helps staff to realise that this is a scarce resource and they are likely to value it more because of that.

Cameras

Your hospital should have a camera available on the day, you could also try a mobile device if you have one

Equipment

Computer and camera

For the scenarios:

Baby bath and jug

Incubator and or cot

Various size Moses baskets

A bed or something that resembles a bed with pillows, sheets, blankets

A changing table and mat, extra pillows.

If you are looking at getting a new camera please let me know as I could give you some advice about the most suitable ones that work well in low light without flash that are easy to use.

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